Dirty Little Secret by Riley Hart

James

I’m forty years old, a tenured professor with investments, property, and a 401k.

But what I crave is to submit. To hand over control to Colton. We met on an app. His needs matched mine. It was only supposed to be once, then twice. No commitment, so I don’t feel bad cutting contact.

Then my world implodes when I get custody of siblings I didn’t know I have.

Everything would have been fine, I would have survived on my own, if not for Sir, my hookup, walking through the doors of my classroom.

He’s over a decade younger than me, and now I’m his professor, yet Sir is giving me schedules I need and caretaking from a distance. I know I should stay away, but I can’t. No matter what he gives me, I want more.

Colton

I’m twenty-eight years old, starting my first semester as a transfer student at a local university, finally following my dreams.

And then I see him, the sub I haven’t stopped thinking about, the one who comes undone for me in ways I’ve never experienced before. He makes all my Dominant instincts flare to life. I’ve always loved caretaking, but James makes me need it on a bone-deep level.

It’s not long before he’s on his knees for me again, surrendering in ways we both crave. He’s forbidden, my professor, my good boy, and I’m his Sir…his dirty little secret. But it’s not enough. I want it all from him, if only he’ll let me have it.

Dirty Little Secret is a student/professor romance, with an older sub and a younger Dom. Please use the look inside feature for a more in-depth content description and warning.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244999895-dirty-little-secret

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

The second time James meets Colton for a hook up, he tells himself it’s the last time. They might fit together very well for the needs they both need, but James can’t let himself go deeper than that. And turns out stopping their relationship from becoming more may have been a good call when he gets a phone alerting him that he has two young siblings he had no idea about and need him to take custody. To say his life turned upside is putting it light. He has an angry brother who doesn’t trust to do right by him or their sister and James is trying to figure out how to be a parent. And then when fall semester starts at the college he teaches at, he is shocked to find Colton as his student. Could things be more complicated? Colton can’t help but admit that he misses James and wishes they could keep seeing one another. But he knows that wasn’t the deal. Neither wanted a relationship. And when Colton is finally able to get his chance to go back to school at 28, he jumps on it. But shocked to discover that James is his professor. They do their best to keep their distance, but Colton finds he can’t. Not when James needs someone in his corner. He can do that at least. It doesn’t have to be more…until they can’t. Not with the connection between them and the friendship that is so much more. James has a lot at stake, but Colton isn’t ready to let him go. Not when he has never felt this way before. Great story with these two! James has really never had someone who wanted to stick around and it takes him a while to accept that Colton wants to be that person for him. With so much at stake, he is scared to risk it but with Colton he feels safe for the first time.  I loved seeing how their relationship developed throughout the story. It became so much more meaningful the more they got to know another. And it so wonderful to watch these two get the happy endings they both more than deserve!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
 

The Playmakers Book 1: Mr. Trick Play by Becca Jackson

 

The Playmakers Book 1

Luka

I've dreamed of being in the NHL since I was a kid, and even though I wasn't drafted to the same team as my best friend, Cosmo, I'm determined to prove I belong here.

But when I meet my new no-nonsense captain, veteran defenseman Reid Raines, there is just one problem. Reid isn't impressed by my flashy moves. In fact, he's determined to rein in risk-takers like me and teach me to play it safe.

What he doesn't know is that I have a plan of my own, one that has less to do with holding back my killer instincts and more to do with knocking him off balance with my wit and charm.

Basically, it's time to Luka-love-bomb the captain.

But the more time we spend together, on and off the ice, the harder it is to ignore a shift between us.

My infectious energy has chipped away at Reid's cool exterior, and every heated exchange feels charged with something new. Now I'm even more excited to see what will happen when the captain finally lets himself lose control.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243052542-mr-trick-play

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Luka has finally made his NHL dreams come true and he can’t wait to get started. And while he has always found a way to get along with everyone he meets, he can’t say the same for his new no-nonsense captain, Reid. Reid likes to play by the book and while Luka loves to try trick plays, Reid isn’t exactly having it. So Luka plans to do whatever he can to make Reid like him. But things take a surprising turn the more they spend time together, turns out there may be some feelings brewing between them and it is only a matter of time before their relationship shifts into something a lot better than just captain and rookie. A really fun story! These two are the opposite in a lot of ways but it’s a good thing for them because it draws out something the other really needs. For Luka, it’s being a bit more responsible on the ice rather than just strictly looking to go for flashy plays. And for Reid, it’s learning to let go a bit and having a life outside of the rink and raising his brothers. They both deserve someone to be there for them always and I really loved watching their relationship grow! This looks to be the start of a great series and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gods Versus Monsters Hockey Book 3: A Puck Between Friends by JR Gray

 

Gods Versus Monsters Hockey Book 3

When my best friend offers to come as my date to my sister’s wedding to get back at my sister for breaking his heart, I agree thinking it will be hilarious. What I didn’t consider was that I’ve been in love with him half my life, and all the consequences of us fake dating.

My family demands I bring my new boyfriend to her shower first, and things only go downhill from there. My sister is marrying the goalie from our rival team who immediately is up in arms about us dating.

Fair, but I don’t have time to dwell on it as things quickly get weird with my best friend. Wolfe is straight, it shouldn’t be weird right? It’s fake after all. But I’m so wrong. He kisses me like I’ve never been kissed before, and then we both realize we have to keep this up for months until the wedding.

Between the unexpected sexual tension, hockey, and the secrets we are keeping. I don’t know how we’re going to get through the season.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230878838-a-puck-between-friends

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Archangel has been in love with his best friend, Wolfe, for a long time. But he has watched him date his sister (who he really doesn’t like), get cheated on by said sister, and enter a phase of no relationships, just hook ups. Oh, and Wolfe is straight. Now, a few years later, Archangel gets a call from his family that his sister is getting married and next thing he knows, Wolfe is volunteering to be his plus one. And more than that, they have to act like a couple. Archangel can see Wolfe wanting to get back at his sister a bit, but acting like a couple and Wolfe being unfazed with it all? He can’t truly let himself believe it. Especially when it comes to his heart. Wolfe loves his best friend and as they enter their fake dating phase, it feels less and less fake the longer it goes on. He is starting to realize a lot about himself, including what his actual feelings for his best friend is. These two are a wild rollercoaster of emotions! It is so clear that these two have feelings way beyond friendship and both are so worried about ruining the friendship, it leads to a lot of push and pull. But it’s a best friends to lovers story that leads exactly where they two were always meant to be with one another. This has been a fun series so far, with a lot of great characters! Hilarious banter and antics between our main couple and of course any of their hockey player teammates, you definitely don’t want to miss this latest addition to the series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love Song by Elle Kennedy

 

New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy returns with her signature heat and humor for a Briar universe standalone romance featuring the next generation Off-Campus characters―where one unforgettable summer changes everything.

After a brutal breakup, college junior Blake Logan escapes to her family’s lake house in Tahoe, determined to shut out the world. Her plan is simple: no men, no drama. Until Wyatt Graham shows up. Four years older and far too good at getting under her skin, Wyatt is the living embodiment of a “bad idea,” and the guy who shattered her pride when she confessed her crush at sixteen.

With his music career stalled, Wyatt has come to Tahoe for inspiration. The last thing he expects is to find it with Blake. He’s spent years keeping his distance, convinced he’s all wrong for her, but she’s no longer the innocent girl he once knew. She’s confident, captivating, and impossible to ignore. And the slow-burning tension between them? It’s catching fire fast.

They both know this can’t last, but one reckless kiss turns into another, and soon they’re tangled in something that feels dangerously like more. Just as they finally give in to the pull, tragedy tears them apart, leaving their hearts in pieces.

But forgetting that one, nearly perfect summer? Not a chance. And when fate brings them together again, Blake and Wyatt must decide if this is a second chance…or the final verse.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231474494-love-song

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Continuing in the next generation of the Off Campus/Briar U Universe, we finally hit a couple that features the kids of two favorites from the series. That’s right, It’s Garrett’s son and Logan’s daughter. Wyatt and Blake. And you can expect exactly what I’m sure you are imagining when it comes to the parents and their antics. Not gonna lie, probably my favorite part of the book. So, if you are keeping up with the world, you know we got a bit of a start of Blake and the guy she finally gives in to date. Now, we jump ahead in time and those two have just broken off after he cheats. And Blake is just done. She needs a summer to herself to regroup and figure out what she wants her future to look like and just to straight up figure out who she is as a person. So off to Lake Tahoe she goes. Where it will be a little while until all the families gather for their annual family trip. Just one problem. Wyatt is there. The boy she had a massive crush on and told him when she was sixteen, then there was an incident between them a few years earlier, and well, how can she expect to shut out the world if he is there? Turns out, Wyatt is there for his own regrouping. His music career is stalled and he needs to find inspiration again. He just never expected it to come in the form of Blake. The girl he has worked very hard to stay away from. He knows he isn’t good for her and he refuses to hurt her even by accident. But the two of them alone for the summer? Well, things are going to be felt and it is only a matter of time before the chemistry between them is too much to resist. Oof, the angst in this one! There is a lot going on between these two. And it hits you right in the feels every step of the way. So be prepared for some emotional rollercoasters. But on a lighter side, the book is just as funny as you would expect from this author. Like I said above, the parents are the best part with their banters and group chats. Blake and Wyatt have their own banter that is hilarious. And some side characters as well. A lot more family dynamics in this one and a whole lot of drama. Very curious to see who’s story is next!

Legends & Fury Book 1: Stick Around by EM Lindsey

 

Legends & Fury Book 1

"Would you slap a teammate for twenty-five grand?"

"Uh, yeah. There are a few I'd slap for free. Just point me in the right direction."

Problem number one: My personal life is falling apart.

Problem number two: My public life is also on thin freaking ice.

Problem number three: The ridiculously hot NHL D-man with the inability to remove his head from his ass has decided I’m his number one target.

And that last one is a bit of an issue since his idea of targeting me is to have absurdly hot hate-hookups with me in the locker room. Which I don’t necessarily mind…

Except there’s one tiny snag in his plan: I don’t like guys.

Or, well, I didn’t think I liked guys.

But when Alexio Zeki drops to his knees and, uh, gets to business, I realize my very narrow view of my own sexuality needs some adjustment.

And that’s ironic coming from a blind man.

Admitting I’m bisexual is the easy part.

Admitting I’m kind of, sort of, ridiculously into the man I claimed to hate is something else entirely. But the more he insists that I’m worth keeping, the more I start wanting to believe him.

Stick Around is the first book in the Punk as Puck spin-off series, Legends and Fury. It’s a high heat, enemies to lovers rom-com with a snarky NHL goalie who has a lot of big opinions and doesn’t care if they’re unsolicited, a PPHL goalie with a mountain of problems and no way to reach the top, locker room hookups, praise, swoony romance, a low-stakes bi-awakening, hockey bro banter, tons of chirping, and the swooniest happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242771267-stick-around

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Jonah is not having a good time lately and at the moment that stress is coming from his parents. Growing up in his house was rough. Him and his brother were born blind, and their other brother’s eyesight was just about nonexistent as well. Their father didn’t care about them, and their mother basically made their life a circus. And while they tried to cut ties, Jonah soon learns that his mother leaves the country and drops the bomb that his dad is sick and in need of care that she isn’t sticking around for. He can’t ask his brothers for help and with his job being a professional hockey player, things are getting to be a bit too much. Oh, then there is Alexio. The defenseman on the NHL team in Boston that shares the rink with Jonah’s team. Turns out him and his brother have been looking out for Jonah’s dad during his episodes and Alexio is convinced that Jonah is a terrible person for not taking care of his dad. But there is a lot more to that than Alexio knows. While their relationship starts off pretty rocky with the lack of knowing the other very, things slowly begin to change the more they find their paths crossing. And hate turns into a lot more when they push one another enough. Another thing to add to Jonah’s list of realizations, turns out he is bi. And he might just be falling for Alexio. Alexio can’t imagine abandoning his parents but he is slowly humbled when he realizes that he may not have the whole picture. Throw in the fact that he is realizing just how much he doesn’t know about the Jonah’s team and their disabilities. But it’s not too late to learn. Especially when he actually gets to know Jonah and explore the spark between them. Turns out, Jonah may be the thing Alexio has been waiting for. I loved these two! Such a great enemies to lovers story. Especially when you just wanted to shake Alexio in the beginning for being so judgy LOL. But I loved that he recognized how he was acting and wanted to learn and just be there for Jonah during a really hard time. Them falling for one another was this sweet slow romance that just got better and better as the story went on. We also got introduced to a bunch of new characters and visited a lot from the Punk as Puck series. I just cannot wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wood Hollow Stories Book 1: This Guy by Lane Hayes

 

Wood Hollow Stories Book 1

The football star, the lumberjack, and a small-town love story…

Silas

Not to sound dramatic, but I can’t decide if I’m a hot mess, a has-been…or both.

My ex’s new relationship with an A-list celebrity is putting me in the spotlight at my lowest point, and I could use a break from LA—just for a little while.

But Vermont in the middle of a blizzard? Probably not a great idea. However, the sexy lumberjack who lives next door is a sweet surprise. And so are his kids and the town.

I like this place. I could be happy here…at least till my new season begins.

Cooper

The football star is an unexpected complication—and a breath of fresh air. Silas is funny, charismatic, and cool. My kids love having a celebrity living next door. And me? I can’t remember the last time I felt quite so alive.

My steady diet of work and carpooling is fine, and sure, I’m happy enough, but with Silas around, everything feels lighter and breezier.

Yes, I’m well aware this isn’t going anywhere. Our lives are just too different. 

Too bad ’cause this guy feels like the real thing.

This Guy is an MM bisexual, single dad, small-town romance featuring a football hero, a sexy lumberjack, and some neighbor-friendly shenanigans.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247892709-this-guy

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Silas is in desperate need of an escape. He just finished his last game as a NFL player and he isn’t sure what to do next. Is he truly done playing football? Then add in the never ending media circus that revolves around him and his ex and her new boyfriend. While he may be good friends with his ex, the media is relentless. And Silas has hit his limit. So when his friend offers Silas a getaway at his house on the lake in Vermont, he takes it. Though maybe not the best idea to go to Vermont in the winter. A lesson he learns quickly when a snowstorm hits him shortly after he arrives. However, lucky for him, his new neighbor is there to rescue him. Cooper could never imagined that the man he rescues in a snowstorm would be one he can’t truly let go of. What starts off as some fun becomes a lot more that neither are ready to name when Silas returns a few months after they first meet. But Cooper’s life isn’t easy. He shares custody of his two kids with his ex-wife and is running a business he hopes to take to the next level. But these two couldn’t stay away from one another even if they tried. So they’ll ignore the future for a bit and stay in the present. But it’s only a matter of time until they’ll have to decide if they are ready to take a risk with their hearts. Adored these two! The football player and lumberjack were a great match. Each giving the other what they needed when they didn’t even know what they needed to begin with. Their chemistry was great and I loved their banter. Also, if you are a fan of the Elmwood series, Wood Hollow is next door! So expect some name drops. A great start to this series and I can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kingdoms of the Compass Book 1: Crown of War and Shadow by JR Ward

 

Kingdoms of the Compass Book 1

An outcast burdened with a curse and a mercenary who's out for himself collide in this star-crossed, slow-burn, high-stakes romantic fantasy

In the dead of night, passions rise and empires fall. 

Welcome to Kingdoms of the Compass.

The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world, stalking the night.

No one is safe.

Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast, she’s spent her whole life within the walls of her small village, ostracized for her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and maybe find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.

Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.

She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen's crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.

Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.

The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.

But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though passion runs hot between them, enemies are around every corner, and danger and betrayal threaten at every turn.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231127029-crown-of-war-and-shadow

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

I’m a big JR Ward fan. I loved her Black Dagger Brotherhood series where we get vampires and romance. So when she announced she was doing some romantasy? I was all in. And she doesn’t disappoint! She creates a whole new world of kingdoms, magic, darkness, and an unlikely heroine. This is the start of what I think is going to be a very interesting series. Sorrel has been doing the one thing her mind has always told her to do: hide. She knows she needs to and she has no family of her own. An orphan and outcast who has this ability to see someone’s death the moment she looks them in the eyes. It’s a curse and yet she does as much good as she can in trying to heal those in need. But those around her do not appreciate who she is. And when they finally turn on her, she has no choice but to run. And she’ll need some help. She makes an unlikely deal with a mercenary who goes by Merc. Together, they start on a journey that bit by bit gives Sorrel the answers she desperately seeks but at the price of having to fulfill a bit of a prophecy. We got so many good twists in turns in this story. Especially at the end! I enjoyed seeing Sorrel becoming braver and more into the hero she is meant to be. Even when the answers she finds tells her otherwise. This was a great way to kick off the series and I can’t wait to see what comes next.